Mountains
Moussala Peak, Rila Mountains © Bulgarian Tourism Authority
The natural beauty of Bulgaria is specially striking to first time visitors, and in particular it is the dominance of its magnificent mountains, ranging from sharp snow-covered peaks and icy blue lakes to cool forests, bio-reserves and varied flora and fauna that really impresses the traveller. Among the heights are large ski resorts and mineral spas, quaint traditional villages, monasteries, and many opportunities for hiking, cave exploration and ecotourism.

More than half of Bulgaria is hilly or mountainous; the average elevation is about 1,575ft (480m). The Balkan Mountains in the central region cross the country from west to east, while the irregular Rhodope Mountains form the southeastern border with Greece, with the Rila and Pirin Mountains at their western end. Every mountain has its own characteristic appearance and fascinating prospects. The Rila Mountains are the most majestic and boast the country's highest peak, Moussala (9,596ft/2,925m), Bulgaria's most famous monastery, Rila, and the country's oldest ski resort at Borovets. The greenest and prettiest mountain range is the Rhodopes, which is home to Pamporovo, the largest ski resort, as well as plenty of culture and folklore centred on the town of Momchilovtsi, which is the most popular place for ecotourism. Museum villages in the Balkan Range also offer excellent possibilities for ecotourism and are a showcase for the hospitality and warmth of the Bulgarian people. With hundreds of lakes, deep valleys and rugged peaks, the Pirin Mountains are probably the most beautiful and are home to a variety of rare plants protected within the Pirin National Park. The most frequented mountain is Vitosha, with the capital city Sofia at its foot, and is popular for winter holidays and skiing.



Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Mountains holiday resorts: Pamporovo, Borovets, Sandanski and Bansko

Attractions

Momchilovtsi, Rhodopes Mountains
Momchilovtsi, Rhodopes Mountains

Momchilovtsi

In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and ethnographic centre that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Centre for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.

Excursions

Pirin National Park

Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to near-extinct flowers like the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.

Address: Sandanski, Bulgaria; E-mail: pirin_np@mail.bg; Website: www.pirin-np.com; Telephone: 7443 5616


Rila Monastery

The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played an important role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books. Photography is not allowed inside the Monastery.

Telephone: 7054 2208; Transport: There is regular bus transport to the monastery from the town of Rila; Opening time: Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter opening hours. Services are from 7 or 8am, and 4 or 5pm, depending on the time of year

Events

Bansko Jazz Festival
Bansko Jazz Festival © aturkus

Bansko International Jazz Festival

The Bansko International Jazz Festival is a hidden gem on the European music calendar. Every year in August, the tiny mountain resort town hosts a week of concerts and jam sessions with jazz musicians from all over the world. The festival is Bulgaria's biggest music event, and thousands come to the open-air stage on Nikola Vaptsarov Square in downtown Bansko for the great music and beautiful summer weather.

Venue: Nikola Vaptsarov Square; Date: 8 - 13 August 2011; Website: bansko-jazz.com

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